Shocking Update on the Nun Who Won an Italian Audition 8 Years Ago

2014 'The Voice' Season 2 Winner ... Delivered Album to the Pope
"Left the Convent on Her Own and Worked as a Waitress in Spain"

On April 5, 2014 (local time), Sister Christina Scuccia, who won an Italian audition program, is holding up the trophy and the crucifix. Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Sister Christina Scuccia (34), who won the second season of Italy's blind audition program 'The Voice of Italy' in 2014 and gained worldwide attention, has reportedly left the convent and returned to secular life.

According to recent foreign media reports including the UK's The Guardian, Scuccia appeared as a guest on the Italian TV talk show 'Verissimo' on the 20th (local time) and said she broke her lifelong vows and left the convent to focus on her music career. She also shared that she is currently working as a waitress in Spain.

The 'The Voice' audition was conducted in a way that the judges sat with their backs to the stage, unable to see the contestants, deciding elimination solely based on their voices. In the first round, Scuccia sang the hit song 'No One' by American pop singer Alicia Keys, dressed in a black nun's habit and a cross necklace. All four judges pressed the pass button for Scuccia and only after turning around did they see her and were astonished to learn she was a nun. At the time, Scuccia belonged to the Ursuline Sisters in Milan and had received permission from the convent mother to participate in the audition. The broadcast also captured three fellow nuns who accompanied her to the audition clapping and cheering her on. The video of Scuccia singing this song gained huge popularity, amassing over 104 million views on YouTube.

During the audition, she also performed on stage with global pop stars Ricky Martin and Kylie Minogue. She wore her nun's habit throughout the audition and after winning, she expressed gratitude to God and recited the 'Lord's Prayer' for the organizers and audience. After winning the audition, she earned nicknames such as 'the singing nun' and 'the real-life Sister Act,' and signed a contract with Universal Records to release an album. This album was even presented as a gift to Pope Francis. However, the issue was that the album included 'Like a Virgin' sung by American singer Madonna. Some Italian cardinals praised Scuccia's talent, but there was also strong criticism calling it a "reckless and calculated commercial activity." Regarding this, a church insider told The Guardian, "Scuccia gained high fame receiving calls from all over the world but also faced criticism, so she must have been confused. She appeared too much on TV and probably lost her direction a bit. She is young and under a lot of pressure."

On the 20th (local time), Scuccia appeared on an Italian TV talk show. Photo by Canale5 website capture.

Scuccia, who appeared on the TV talk show, looked so different that it was hard to believe she was the same person as before. She appeared with her long black hair, previously hidden under the nun's veil, down, wearing red pantsuit, high heels, heavy makeup, and even a pierced nose, presenting a striking image. Scuccia said she made the decision to leave the convent with the help of a psychological counselor and clarified that she has not abandoned her faith. She added, "I decided to follow my heart without worrying about what people would say about me," and "I am living happily in Spain."